U9

The U9’s is the beginning of an incredible journey through the age groups, up to Colts and hopefully beyond.

The U9’s comprises players who have either spent several years with Tag Trojans (established by Old Pats/Gloucester ex-player Chris Raymond and now run by his son Marcus), joined from other clubs or who have never played rugby before.

Head Coach Dave Parry heads up the volunteer coaching team made up of parents from this age group, leading the children through their development with the key focus being on fun, safety and team work. Rugby is a fantastic sport, and we hope to show just how fun it can be when approached with positivity and commitment from both players and parents alike.

We will start the season with a coaching team of 6, and around 35-40 players, but there is always more room for coaches and players if you’re arriving late to the season. VOLUNTEERS always welcome and always needed, no matter how much or little time you can offer. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our ethos is based on inclusivity; where every player will be given equal opportunity to develop their rugby skills at a pace that suits them, regardless of experience or ability.

Match teams are NOT selected on ability but on attitude and commitment. We hope to run 3 team groups for the season, all of the same level, and all of mixed abilities.

The squads train and play their home matches at the Old Patesians home ground on Everest Road, Cheltenham. Training is generally between 09.30 and 10.45 every Sunday, unless we have matches when the times may vary. And of course, away fixtures will be something we all look forward to as our fixture programme kicks off from January 2022.

All training and match day information is communicated to parents and carers via our Teamo management app – details of which will be shared once registration is complete.

Please get in touch via the contact form if you would like your son or daughter to join the Old Pats U9’s

Having come together as a management and coaching group from September this year, our coaching team have been working alongside club junior chairman Alistair Armstrong and the Tag Trojans team to begin the development of the U9s age group at Old Pats.

We are a team of 6, with a common love for rugby, and a variety of experience as players, coaches and students of the game. We are driven by the passion and joy of seeing the youngest of age groups develop into well-rounded, skilled and respectful sportspeople, playing rugby to their strengths in teams of mixed ability. Albeit this is a slightly shorter season for the U9s, we will run a full schedule of training, fixtures and hopefully competitions, home and away, from November to May.

We are really looking forward to welcoming the kids, and their families, on this journey and wholeheartedly ask you to support us, and the club, in any way possible.

Please get in touch if you would like your son or daughter to join the U9’s